The NFL’s long wait will soon be over as the annual preseason begins. Pro Football Hall of Fame Game.
The NFL has been hosting this event to kick off the preseason since 1962, and this year’s edition includes: Houston Texans and Chicago Bears.
It will be the second appearance in Houston and the sixth in Chicago. The game will be held at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium in Canton, Ohio, during Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement Weekend.
FanDuel Sportsbook has the Bears ahead of the Texans by 1.5 points.
Let’s take a closer look at probability.
Houston Texans @ Chicago Bears
Thursday, August 1st
8 p.m. ET, ESPN
Point spread: Bears -1.5 (Bears expected to win by 1.5 points or more, otherwise Texas covers)
Moneyline: Bears – 130 favorites (If you bet $10, you win $17.69); Texas +110 underdog wins (If you bet $10, you win $21)
Total Score Over/Under: The two teams combined for 32.5 points.
This match is between two teams that have high expectations heading into the season.
As a rookie, Texas quarterback CJ Stroud led the team to a 10-7 record and a playoff win. Houston is looking to add Stefon Diggs, Joe Mixon, and Daniel Hunter.
The other side is Chicago.
The Bears had a tremendous offseason, including winning five of their last eight games to close out the 2023-24 season and drafting a Heisman Trophy winner. Caleb Williams Nominated as number one.
Ryan Poles and management not only drafted the QB of the future, they also surrounded him with a whole new arsenal of weapons, including veteran wideouts. Keenan Allen And the ninth pick is a wide receiver. Roman Odunze.
So, do you think the Texans or the Bears will win the 2024 Hall of Fame game?
How shocking is Texas’ rapid rebuilding?
Check out the insights from FOX Sports betting analysts. Jeff Schwartz:
There’s a real football game tonight in Canton, Ohio.
The NFL season kicks off each year with this exciting preseason game. It’s the Hall of Fame Game, featuring two teams with former Hall of Fame players who will be inducted into the Hall of Fame in the same weekend.
The game of the year is between the Bears and the Texans.
For the Bears, Devin Hester is inducted into the Hall of Fame. Houston’s Hall of Fame inductee is Andre Johnson, the first Texas draftee to reach Canton. It’s a tribute to these legends who have been rewarded for their incredible careers.
Now let’s get back to soccer.
Don’t expect a ton of scoring on Thursday night. I know the 32.5 point total is scary low and the last two Hall of Fame games have had totals over that, but I don’t see any other way to bet on this matchup.
The Bears and Texans are unlikely to send their starting quarterbacks out, even if the Bears think they can give rookie quarterback Caleb Williams a few drives. So if neither starting QB gets much time on Thursday, we’ll have to look to the backups.
Texas has Davis Mills, Case Keenum, and Tim Boyle. Mills and Keenum are competing for the backup spot, while Boyle is just a body for camp. This is the perfect opportunity for the bodies in camp to see the field, so Boyle should get some time.
The Bears could play Tyson Bagent, Brett Lippen and Austin Reed at the position, three backups who haven’t had much success in the NFL.
In the 4th quarter, if Rippen, Reed, and Boyle hit the opposing defense hard, it can’t be helped that they lose the under.
It is also noteworthy that both managers in this match are defensive-minded.
Defensive head coaches tend to have their units slightly ahead of the offense in training camp. They like to establish the line of scrimmage in preseason games.
I met with the offensive coaches in preseason, and their main concern was to make the offense repeatable and successful.
So give me a defensive coach who can prepare the defense for this game.
Option: Both teams combined score 32.5 points or less
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